Kathryn Boger, Ph.D., Video Interview | 2025 MHE Emerging Leaders in Healthcare

Kathryn Boger, Ph.D., co-founder and chief clinical officer of InStride Health, is one of this year’s Managed Healthcare Executive Emerging Leaders in Healthcare.

In a recent video interview, she shared insights on the turning point that shaped her career, the one thing she would change about U.S. healthcare and a personal goal she’s striving for outside of work.

A pivotal moment in Boger’s career came when she decided to leave academic medicine—a field she believed she’d remain in long-term. After spending her postdoctoral and professional years at McLean Hospital, she took the leap to launch InStride Health.

“It was a risky one and really rewarding,” Boger said. “The pace and the rapid change is like nothing I had experienced before.”

She credits advice from her brother-in-law for helping her face her fears: “If you're feeling scared, it's a sign that you're growing.”

When asked what she would change about U.S. healthcare, Boger said she would ensure access to evidence-based mental health care for all families, regardless of income, location or background.

“At this point, there are just too many families who are going untreated or who aren’t getting the right treatments,” she said.

Reflecting on her previous role at McLean, Boger would get phone calls daily from families in need because their children were struggling and they weren't able to access the right care.

"So (we're) highly motivated to work on solving that problem," she added.

Her passion to expand access was a driving force behind co-founding InStride.

“That’s really the reason that we built InStride, was to provide access to care that is both evidence-based and insurance-backed,” she said.

Outside of her professional role, Boger is focused on a simple goal: being present.

A childhood memory of running laps with her cousin—earning sticks as somewhat of a prize—reminds her how much joy exists in the moment.

“I want to be able to appreciate the ride I’m on,” she said, “as opposed to just focus on the destination.”